Elena's POV
We got to my aunt's house.
Her home has always been my second home.
Aunt Vivian's house was small and cozy, sitting at the end of a quiet street surrounded by flowers and tall trees. It felt safe—like a place I could truly call home.
We stepped out of the car. Aunt Vivian was already waiting for us; we had called her while we were on the way.
She welcomed us with open arms and embraced me so warmly. She's the only family I have left.
Sebastian handed me his card.
"You can call me anytime. But I'm going to check up on you, okay?"
He gave me a warm hug. "Stay strong and take care of yourself," he said.
My aunt helped me inside.
I went straight to the room where I always stayed whenever I visited.
I stood in front of the mirror, staring at myself and thinking about everything I have just gone through.
My fingers brushed over the scar on the left side of my face.
And then a memory flickered.
The man from the one-night stand—I remembered how he kissed my scar, and how we made love so passionately.
But the moment was broken when my aunt knocked on the door and handed me some clothes to wear.
I got into the shower. As the warm water ran down my body, I broke down and cried my eyes out. The pain was unbearable.
Will I ever forget this? I wondered.
When I was done, I dried my hair and body. Then I put on the dress my aunt had given me. It was one of hers—a long dress with flower patterns. I never wore dresses like that.
"Ouch," I muttered, suddenly remembering—I had left all my clothes at the house.
But I told myself, I don't need to go back for them.
I stayed at my aunt's house for days, not feeling too well.
Eventually, I decided to get a check-up at the hospital called Northvale General Hospital.
Even though we had a family doctor, I chose to go somewhere different this time.
My aunt helped me out with some money.
When I got to the hospital, I walked up to the receptionist and asked to see a specialist.
But then I heard a voice.
"Well, well, if it isn't the almighty Elena."
I turned around—and there she was. Amira. With Damian right beside her.
"Wait… babe, do you think she's here to remove that scar?" Amira asked mockingly, laughing as she turned to Damian.
"I bet she can't," Damian replied, smirking. "That scar's never leaving her face. Besides, she doesn't even have the money."
"Oh, you didn't even ask why we're at the hospital," Damian said, smiling at Amira.
"Well, I'll tell you anyway," he added with a smug look. "Amira's pregnant. Something you couldn't do in two years."
I stood there, stunned.
How could you, Damian? So this has been going on for a long time?
I loved you—and you betrayed me.
With my best friend.
I tried to walk away, but Amira grabbed my wrist.
"You thief! You stole my bracelet!" she shouted angrily.
People in the waiting room turned to look at us.
"What? This isn't yours! It's my Aunt Vivian's bracelet," I retorted.
I tried to pull my hand away, but Amira lost her balance and stepped back, but Damian caught her.
Then Damian stepped closer, his voice low and cruel.
"Trying to hurt her now, are you? You slut."
He raised his hand to hit me.
I shut my eyes in fear, my face turning away without thinking.
But nothing happened.
I slowly opened my eyes—only to see his hand suspended in the air.
It was being held tightly by Callum Rayes, my childhood friend.
"Are you okay, Elena?" Callum asked, releasing Damian's hand like it was nothing.
Damian stepped forward, giving a sharp look. "And who the hell do you think you are?"
"I'm here for her," Callum said, looking Damian straight in the eyes.
Amira laughed shortly. "Oh please, playing the hero now? How cute."
Callum ignored her, giving her a look that said she wasn't worth his time.
"Leave. Both of you," he said firmly.
"You think you've won today?" Damian snapped, pointing at Callum. "This isn't over."
Damian and Amira walked away, their pride clearly bruised.
Callum turned to me and said, "Elena, it's been a long time. Who were they?"
"They're people from my past," I said.
"How are you, Callum? It's been ages," I added, trying to seem okay.
"Tell me everything," Callum said as he gently held my arm while we walked together.
"Is this your office?" I asked, surprised as I looked around.
"Yes," Callum replied with a smile. "I am a medical doctor and I actually own the hospital. You know, when I traveled to Ravenwell, I built a hospital there. Then I decided to open this one too. I just came back two weeks ago to run it."
"How have you been?" he asked kindly.
I began, "After you left, I had an accident five years ago… and the man who just walked out—he saved me. I thought he loved me, and I fell for him. That's how I got this scar. Then I met Amira shortly after you left."
"The lady that was with him, right?" he asked.
"Yes," I nodded.
I continued, "Dad died three years ago from a heart attack. Then I got married to Damian."
I told Callum everything, and he listened with compassion in his eyes.
Callum had been my best friend growing up. At one point, we even fell in love. I've always known him as the most handsome guy I ever knew.
Even now, he still looked at me with that same affectionate gaze he used to.
"Don't worry, Eli. I'm here for you. I'm not going anywhere, alright?"